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Sequential risk of depression in children born prematurely: A nationwide population- based analysis
Ting-Fang Chiu1, Tung-Min Yu2, Ya-Wen Chuang2
1Department of Pediatrics, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Insights
Children born prematurely face a significantly higher risk of depression compared to full-term infants. This study highlights the need for early intervention and support for preterm children and their families to mitigate mental health risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- The association between premature birth and the risk of developing depression in childhood remains unclear.
- This study investigates the potential elevated risk of depression in children born prematurely.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the risk of depression in children born prematurely using a national cohort in Taiwan.
- To identify factors associated with increased depression risk in preterm children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for a cohort study.
- Included 21,478 preterm and 85,903 full-term children born between 2000 and 2010.
- Defined depression diagnosis based on clinical visits or hospitalization.
Main Results:
- Preterm children exhibited a 2.75-fold higher risk of depression compared to full-term children.
- Lower levels of urbanization and specific parental occupations (blue-collar, other) were associated with increased depression risk in preterm children.
- No significant association was found between sex and depression risk.
Conclusions:
- Preterm children have a substantially higher risk of depression.
- Early identification, timely psychiatric care, and family support are crucial for managing mental health complications in preterm children.
Background:
Whether children born prematurely are at a high risk of depression is still unknown. The present study examined the risk of depression in children who were born prematurely, by analyzing a national cohort in Taiwan.
Methods:
All premature births between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2010, by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 21,478 preterm children and 85,903 full-term children were enrolled in this study. Sex, level of urbanization of residential area, and parental occupation were considered. We included participants who received a diagnosis of depression in more than two clinical visits or were hospitalized due to depression.
Results:
Preterm children had a 2.75-fold higher risk of depression than full-term children (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58-4.79, p < 0.001). Sex was not likely to be associated with depression in this study (p = 0.95). The lowest level of urbanization significantly contributed to the risk of depression in preterm children (adjusted hazard ratio = 6.8, 95% CI = 1.63-28.46, p < 0.01). Regarding parental occupation, preterm children whose parents had blue-collar and other occupations had a 3.4- and 6.06-fold higher risk of depression, respectively, compared with other children (blue-collar occupations: 95% CI = 1.04-11.15, p < 0.05; other occupations: 95% CI = 1.71-21.49, p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
Preterm children had a 2.7-fold higher risk of depression than children born full-term. Early identification, timely psychiatric care, intervention strategies, and support for their families may reduce the complications of mental illness in preterm children.
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